Even though the side was much changed from the recent victory over Sevenoaks this did not detract from the quality of the team and only went to prove the strength in depth this season. This being Gravesend 2’s it wouldn’t have been a proper game unless they started with a completely new scrum half and a new captain. So with Gav installed as their sixth scrum half in as many games and led by the irrepressible John Heggs the G’s took the field full of intent and aspirations.
It soon became clear who were the strongest side though and that Gravesend’s defence was more than a match for the T.Wells side’s attacking aspirations. The question that was asked though was could G’s score the points they wanted and also restrict their stoic opponents to a nil score.The scoring was soon started with a fine move involving forwards and backs resulting in McKee scuttling over in the corner which was converted from the touchline by Dom Taylor who was to have an excellent day with the boot.
G’s were soon on the scoreboard again after a period of pressure from T. Wells resulted in Gav showing he has a kicking game to match his passing skills and putting up a box kick which Edmeds chased and collected and then off loaded back to Gav who ran in from the half way line.
T.Wells then had a period of pressure which tested the Gs defence to the full with Brown, Wakeman and Heggs in particular putting in some big hits. One thing that was very apparent was that this G’s side was not going to lie down and give the opposition any easy points or ground.
The pressure was soon averted though when Gilham (J) released his backs with another orchestrated a strike move which resulted in George storming over from 3 yards out. Taylor converted again to extend the score to 19-0. There was still time for more pressure from T.Wells which only fell on the committed and oppressive Gravesend defensive line with new flanker Jones and Rees omni present in the defensive line.
Gravesend turned around with a steely determination to really set down the marker for the rest of the season. They were soon underway again with McKee gambolling over for his second try which was soon followed again by George bursting over from another couple of yards out after some magic by Nolan set him free of the defence.
With Freeman thundering around in the loose and the skipper Heggs newly installed at number eight Gravesend had plenty of go forward and were settling into good patterns for the rest of the match. But as in previous games they made it hard for themselves by making the odd mistake and letting T.Wells have more of the ball than was necessary. The defence again held though and with Luck starting to impose himself at the breakdown and Brown tackling everything that moved any score against the G’s seemed unlikely.
The G’s scoring soon resumed with Gilham J and George both rounding off promising moves by scoring the games sixth and seventh tries to bring the match to a conclusion.
Overall it was a really pleasing performance with team spirit and the intensity required by the management team being demonstrated throughout. The promising start to the season continues and after playing on the road since the end of August the 2’s return to Gravesend for what will be a challenging match against Beckenham this Saturday.
Team: Taylor, Edmeds, Pledger, George, Nolan, Gilham J, Gav, Rees, Mckee, Freeman, Heggs, Wakeman, Brown, Jones, Gilham G
Replacements: Luck, Henry, Proctor
Scorers:
Tries - George 3, Mckee 2, Gav, Gilham J
Conversions – Taylor 5
